20 Robert Half Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, every company is different. Robert Half is no exception. As the world’s first and largest accounting and finance staffing firm, Robert Half has its own unique set of interview questions that candidates should be prepared to answer.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Robert Half interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Robert Half Interview Process

The interview process at Robert Half can be long and difficult, with many applicants reporting that they never heard back from a recruiter after initial contact. The company is also known for being unprofessional, with one reviewer saying that a recruiter never showed up for an interview. Overall, the experience seems to be quite negative, with many people warning others to avoid the company.

1. Tell me about a time you had to convince your manager of something.

This question is a great way to learn more about how you interact with your superiors. Your answer can tell the interviewer about your leadership skills and ability to persuade others.

Example: “When I first started my current role, I had an idea for a new software that would help our company save time on some of our most tedious tasks. My manager was hesitant at first because it would cost money to implement. However, I explained to him that if we implemented this software, we could free up employees’ time so they could focus on higher-level work. He agreed to try it out, and now we use the software in all of our offices.”

2. Why do you want to work for Robert Half?

This question is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the company and its mission. When you answer, make sure to highlight what attracted you to Robert Half in the first place. You can also use this opportunity to explain how your skills align with the job description.

Example: “I want to work for Robert Half because I’ve always admired the company’s innovative approach to staffing. Your reputation as an industry leader is well-deserved, and I’m excited about the prospect of working for such a forward-thinking organization. In my last role, I was tasked with finding new ways to streamline our hiring process. I developed a software program that helped us hire more qualified candidates while reducing costs by 20%. I think these are valuable skills that would be beneficial to Robert Half.”

3. Do you have experience in the banking industry?

The banking industry is one of the most important industries in the world. It’s also a highly regulated industry, so it requires employees to have extensive experience and knowledge about compliance procedures. If you’re interviewing for an accounting position at a bank, make sure that your resume includes all relevant information regarding your previous work experience.

Example: “I worked as a senior accountant at Bank of America for five years. I was responsible for managing the company’s financial records and ensuring they were accurate and up-to-date. I also had to ensure that the company complied with federal regulations and state laws.”

4. What are some reasons that make this job not right for you?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your thought process and how you make decisions. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but also consider what might have made this job appealing when you applied.

Example: “I’m looking for a long-term career opportunity that will allow me to grow my skills and experience. This position seems like it would offer some great opportunities, however I am not sure if it would provide enough room for growth. I am excited by the prospect of working with such an innovative company, but I think I may need something with a little more responsibility.”

5. How would you approach an account that is being unresponsive?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work with clients. Your answer should show the interviewer that you can be assertive when needed, but also empathetic and willing to help others.

Example: “I would first try to understand why they are being unresponsive. If it’s because of an issue I can fix, then I will do so as soon as possible. However, if there is something out of my control, such as a client who doesn’t want to pay their bill, then I will call them and ask for more time. If they still refuse, then I will send them a letter demanding payment.”

6. Provide examples of times that you went above and beyond for a customer or client.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of specific examples from previous jobs or experiences that highlight your skills and abilities.

Example: “At my last job, I had a client who was looking for an accountant with extensive knowledge of QuickBooks. After searching through our database, we didn’t have any accountants on staff who met their needs. Instead of giving up, I reached out to some of the other staffing agencies in town and found someone who could meet their needs. They were so happy with the service they received that they referred them to another company.”

7. Describe a time where you felt as though you were undertrained, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can overcome challenges. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about the situation and highlight what steps you took to learn more or improve your skill set.

Example: “In my previous role as an accountant, I was responsible for preparing financial statements for our company. One day, I noticed that one of the accounts on the balance sheet didn’t match up with the income statement. I immediately notified my supervisor who then informed me that there was a new account that needed to be added to the balance sheet. I learned that if I ever notice something like this again, I should always notify my supervisor so they can inform senior management.”

8. How would you go about getting someone hired quickly?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of how you helped someone get hired quickly in the past.

Example: “In my last role as an accountant, I had a client who needed to hire two new accountants immediately. The company was growing so fast that they couldn’t find enough qualified accountants locally. They were looking for someone with five years of experience, but there weren’t any available. I reached out to some of my contacts and found two candidates who could start within a week. One candidate had three years of experience and the other had seven years of experience. Both were able to meet all of the requirements.”

9. Have you ever worked with recruiters before?

This question is a great way to gauge your experience with the company you’re interviewing for. If you have, it’s also an opportunity to share what you liked about working with them and how they helped you in your job search.

Example: “I’ve worked with recruiters before when I was looking for my last accounting position. The recruiter I worked with at Robert Half was very helpful and knowledgeable about the positions available. She listened to my needs and preferences and found me several opportunities that fit my qualifications and career goals. I appreciated her honesty and candor during our conversations.”

10. Are you willing to travel if necessary?

If the position requires you to travel, employers may ask this question to make sure you’re willing to do so. If they do, consider how often you would need to travel and if you have any concerns about doing so. You can also mention that you are open to discussing a specific amount of travel in your initial contract or job offer.

Example: “I am happy to travel as long as it’s not too frequently. I prefer to stay local for at least six months before traveling again. However, I understand that sometimes travel is necessary, and I’m willing to discuss my preferences with you.”

11. Do you enjoy working independently or on a team?

This question is designed to determine how you will fit into the company culture. If a company has a strong team-based culture, they may want someone who enjoys working with others and collaborating on projects. However, if they have an independent culture, they may be looking for someone who prefers to work alone.

Example: “I enjoy both working independently and in teams. I find that when I’m working by myself, I can focus more on my own tasks without distractions. However, I also love being part of a team because it allows me to learn from other people’s perspectives and ideas. I think I would thrive in either type of environment.”

12. What is the best way to retain top talent?

Hiring managers want to know that you can help them keep their best employees. They are looking for someone who is a good communicator and has the ability to motivate others. In your answer, show that you understand how important it is to retain top talent. Explain what you would do to make sure your team members feel valued and appreciated.

Example: “I think one of the most important things you can do to retain top talent is to make sure they feel like they’re part of something special. I believe in creating an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and have fun at work. I also think it’s important to give regular feedback so everyone knows how they’re doing and what they need to improve on. Finally, I think it’s essential to recognize employees when they do well.”

13. What is your understanding of staffing services?

This question is a great way to gauge your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it to Robert Half. Your answer should include what staffing services are, why they’re important and how you’ve used them in your career.

Example: “I understand that staffing services provide companies with temporary employees for projects or other needs. I have worked as an accountant at several different firms where we needed additional help during tax season. In these situations, my company would use a staffing service to hire more accountants and bookkeepers to meet our needs.”

14. In what ways can we help our clients find better candidates?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and how you can help them grow. You should highlight your skills, such as networking or communication, that will benefit Robert Half in finding better candidates for their clients.

Example: “I have several connections with other professionals who are looking for new jobs. I would be happy to share my network with Robert Half so they can find more qualified applicants for their clients. In addition, I am very good at communicating with job seekers about open positions. If I hear about an opportunity, I always let the best candidate know.”

15. If there was one thing you could change about Robert Half, what would it be?

This question is a behavioral one, and it’s designed to assess your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, think of something you would change about the company that would benefit its employees or clients.

Example: “If I could change one thing about Robert Half, I would make it so we had more opportunities for advancement within the company. I know there are many talented accountants who work here, but they don’t have much opportunity to advance their careers. If I were in charge, I would implement a career development program where employees can learn new accounting techniques and take online courses to further their education.”

16. What are three attributes that you think will help you succeed at Robert Half?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research on their company. When answering this question, make sure to highlight three specific skills or experiences that align with Robert Half’s mission and values.

Example: “I think my ability to work well in a team setting, my attention to detail and my willingness to learn new things will help me succeed at Robert Half. I know from reading about the company that it places a lot of value on collaboration, so I’m excited to be part of a team where everyone works together to achieve success. I also understand that the company has high standards for accuracy and quality, which means I’ll need to have an excellent attention to detail. Finally, I know that the company encourages its employees to always seek out opportunities to grow and develop their skills.”

17. What kind of salary range are you looking for?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your salary expectations. If you’re not sure what the average salary for this position is, do some research before the interview so you can give an answer that reflects your interest in the job.

Example: “I’m looking for a salary of $50,000 per year. I know there are many benefits to working with Robert Half, but compensation is also very important to me. I have done my research on the company and feel confident that I am qualified for this position. My experience makes me confident that I could contribute to the success of this company.”

18. Do you know anyone who works here?

This question is a great way to learn more about the company culture and see if you have any connections. If you do, it’s important to mention their name and what they do at Robert Half. This shows that you’ve done your research and are familiar with the company.

Example: “I know someone who works here named Jane Smith. She told me she loves working for Robert Half because of the friendly coworkers and challenging work. I’m excited to join her in this environment.”

19. Tell us more about yourself.

This is a common question that employers ask to learn more about you and your background. They want to know what makes you unique, how you can contribute to their company and if you have the skills they’re looking for in an employee. When answering this question, be honest and provide information that shows you are qualified for the job.

Example: “I am a recent college graduate with a degree in accounting. I graduated at the top of my class and was awarded the honor of being valedictorian. I also worked as a tutor while in school, helping other students understand difficult concepts. This experience helped me develop study habits that help me stay organized and focused on work.”

20. What would you say are the most important qualities for a successful recruiter?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in your role. When answering this question, consider highlighting qualities that you possess and how they can help you succeed as a recruiter.

Example: “I believe the most important quality for a successful recruiter is being able to connect with others. I am naturally friendly and enjoy talking to people, which makes me feel confident about my ability to find the right candidate for any job opening. Another important quality is having excellent communication skills. I pride myself on always providing clear instructions and feedback to candidates and hiring managers so everyone understands expectations.”